Vilanova i la Geltru Travel Guide

A major tourist destination in the high season, Vilanova i la Geltru is one of the Catalan towns that blends the old with the new. On one hand the coast is filled with everything you could hope for, to have a lively, buzzing holiday – from scuba diving, and horse riding, to plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and nightspots. But on the other hand there’s the well preserved old town, with some outstanding buildings and its medieval walls. Vilanova i la Geltru also has one of Catalonia’s longest, most gracious Ramblas, which takes you on an interesting walk of almost a mile, finishing up at Plaça de les Neus.

It’s also one of the towns that is especially lively when it comes to their festival calendar, and the carnival there is one of the top carnivals in Catalonia. Of course a relaxing holiday is helped by 3.5km of fine, sandy beaches, a generous dollop of good dining options, the sparkling Mediterranean sea and the azure blue sky. Its location makes it a perfect choice if you want to leave the beach for a day or two, to discover the wonders of cities such as Barcelona (30 minutes) and Tarragona (45 minutes).

But you really don’t need to venture out of Vilanova i la Geltrú at all, it’s a good sized town with plenty to while away a pleasant beach holiday. Its marina is considered to be in the top 10 most beautiful ports in Europe, partially due to its specialisation in super yachts. If you don’t happen to own one of this majestic super yachts (like me), you can certainly get up close and personal in the Vilanova i la Geltru marina, and then continue your gentle stroll down the promenade, breathing in the sea air and listening to the sound of chirpy parakeets overhead, as they play and fly from tree to tree.

About

The numerous parakeets that populate the palm trees of the promenade, inject an extra sense of fun and freedom into this lovely location. Their happy chirps seem to infuse the air with that great holiday feel. I spent quite a bit of time just listening to them above me in the trees, while looking at the beach, just underneath, which begins with an area that combines blades of grass with sand.

Beaches

There are 5 beaches in total running along the coast of the city of Vilanova. The combined length of these beaches is 3.5km, which would run concurrently but the port separates two of them. Whether you are looking for a quiet spot to relax with a loved one, to spend some quality family time, or to take part in a beach based sporting activity or hire a boat – you will find everything you are looking for in Vilanova.

The beaches are typical of the Spanish Mediterranean coastline with wide expanses of fine, golden sand and the gentle slope down to the sea that ensures safe paddling and bathing. The majority of the beaches are easily accessible on foot but for the most easterly beach, Platja d’Ibersol public transport is recommended. You’ll find more information further below in the beaches section.

Retail Therapy

The wonderful atmosphere of Vilanova i la Geltrú is best absorbed by strolling the streets, plazas and squares. It seems rude not to take part in some retail therapy at the same time and shopping in the city is a delight. There are well over 700 shops here ranging from major global retailers to those one of a kind artisan stores which have been in the same family for generations. There is a vast choice of shopping opportunities available to visitors in Vilanova I la Geltrú and with the city centre being compact everything is within easy walking distance from the seafront and city centre. To make it easier for you to discern the best shopping areas for you we have split them into the three main categories.

The Rambla This pedestrianised esplanade stretches for over 1km and is lined with hundreds of shops and pavement cafés. This is the main thoroughfare that connects the city centre to the sea front.

Caputxins Street This charming pedestrian only lane is packed with boutiques and plazas. It is also rich in history and contains some of the city’s finest architecture. There are also numerous options for eating and drinking when you need a break from all the shopping.

Family Fun

If you are looking for a holiday destination the whole family can enjoy irrespective of age then Vilanova i la Geltrú ticks all the boxes. Apart from the wonderful beaches there is a host of things to do to keep both adults and children entertained. A trip here gives everyone the opportunity of not just experiencing the fabulous Mediterranean culture but actually live it.

Miniature Trains

This is something you should not miss when in Vilanova. Riding along the on a miniature train or locomotive is a sheer delight, but don’t be surprised if the children keep asking to go on again and again.

Trenet Turístico – Tourist Train

These tourist trains are evident in all the best Spanish resorts and are a great way to travel around Vilanova and see the areas you may not venture into. As well as taking you the full length of the magnificent promenade, Passeig Maritim, it takes you around all the places of note and those worth visiting in the town. Taking the train at the beginning of your trip, especially if you are a first time visitor, can give you an insight of what is on offer here and help you decide which areas you want to visit again.

The Culture of Vilanova i la Geltrú

There are many cultural activities within Vilanova which allow you to immerse yourself in both the medieval history and seafaring culture of the city. There is a wealth of opportunities on offer here where you do both of the above. There are immaculately preserved manors from the Modernist and Romantic eras. You can feast your eyes upon the works of art and artifacts which were brought back from the New World by the ‘Indianos’ who enjoyed spending their new found wealth. If you are a lover of trains then the Catalonia Railway Museum needs to be on your must visit list and those who prefer more contemporary pieces have more than enough opportunities at the many museums.

Things To Do

Archaeological Civilisations

Adarró Archaeological Site

Take time to explore the ruins of the Iberian village which was built by the Cossetan tribe between the 5th and 1st centuries BC.

Architectural Interest

Masia D’en Cabanyes

On 11th March 2014, the Catalan Government declared the Masia D’en Cabanyes to be a historical monument of National cultural interest. A wonderful chance to take in the amazing art, rich history and beautifully landscaped gardens that are all part if this lovely neoclassical country manor. A fine representative of the Romantic era, this was once the home of Manuel de Cabanyes, the renowned poet. These days it is used for a range of purposes, and if you would like to find out more, you can go to the monument’s Facebook page, as below.

Beaches

Vilanova i la Geltrú Beaches

The beaches of Vilanova are unique in the region surrounding Barcelona. Boasting 3.5km of wide beaches with the finest sand you will find anywhere, combined with the warm and tranquil waters – there’s no doubt that this is a magnificent stretch of coastline. Whether you are looking for family friendly beaches, fun in the water or complete peace and tranquility you will find it along the coast of Vilanova i la Geltrú. The special services, such as first aid and lifeguards, listed on all these beaches are available from the 15th May through to the 30th September.

Platja d’Ibersol

The most westerly of the Vilanova beaches, Platja d’Ibersol is next to the municipal Cubelles area and precedes Platja de Sant Gervasi. 60% of this long stretch of beach is a protected, natural area and clearly marked as such. The other 40% of beach Ibersol has is for use by the public and is 700m in length by 40m wide and is a Blue Flag beach. This beach is best accessed by public transport.

Services on Platja d’Ibersol Beach bar with terrace Public toilets Sun beds Public showers and foot baths 1 first aid station

Platja de Sant Gervasi

This stretch of beach is located after Platja d’Ibersol at the western end of Vilanova near the main residential area of Santa Lucia and Adarró. It is fairly typical of what we have to expect of Spanish urban beaches with its soft sand and gentle slope into the water offering safe bathing for all ages. The beach is 250m in length and 50 metres wide, covering an area of around 12,500m2. It is easily accessible either on foot or by car as it has a large parking area.

Platja d’Adarró

This family friendly beach sits between Sant Gervasi and Platja de Ribes Roges, or the Red Beach Shores . Much larger than its predecessor, it measures 780m by 99 metres covering an area of 77,200m2. Accessible on foot from anywhere in the city or by the city bus, there is also a controlled parking area for those who come in their car. Those wishing to leave the sand for a while have a lovely garden area to enjoy which has both palm trees and many other species of ornamental plant life.

Services on Platja d’Adarró Beach bar with large outdoor terrace with tables and chairs. Public toilets including a disabled facility 60 hammocks for public use Area with tents A sports zone with designated areas for football and volleyball. 22 showers and foot baths for the public’s use.

Platja de Ribes Roges

This lovely expanse of beach sits between Platja d’Adarró and the Vilanova marina. Soft sand, gently sloping, you know the score by now. The biggest expanse of beach in the city, the Red Beach Shores has a length of 1200m, a wide of 170m and covers an area of 204,000m2. Here are three lovely gardens here to enjoy a bit of peace and tranquillity beneath the shade of a palm tree. You can easily get to this beach from anywhere in the city either on foot or by using the local city bus. There is also private parking which is blue zone regulated.

Also on the promenade by the beach is a table tennis table, so a pretty cool place to play table tennis, under the palm trees, looking at the beach and sea!

Services on Platja de Ribes Roges 11 areas offering tents 375 sun loungers in designated areas 3 stalls that have a terrace with tables and chairs and each one has disabled toilet 3 areas with public toilets Public showers and foot baths 3 areas for sporting activities; football, basketball and beach volleyball 2 surveillance and life guard houses First aid facilities Physical condition circuits

Platja del Far

Platja del Far, or Lighthouse beach of San Cristobal, is situated in the east of Vilanova on the opposite side of the the marina from Platja de Ribes Roges. 900m in length and 150m it is the second largest of the city’s beaches and benefits from the fact it is not in the centre of town. It is also the main beach for water sports facilities. Easily accessible on foot or public transport, those who want to bring their cars can make use of the private parking. As with the other beaches of Vilanova there is a lovely landscaped area to relax in with palm trees and other plant life.

Services on Platja del Far Boat and canoe hire with buoys marking the output channel 150 hammocks Beach bar with terrace Public toilets with a disabled facility Public showers and foot baths Designated sports area for volleyball, basketball and football 2 surveillance and lifeguard stations 1 first aid stations 2 local information points

Museums

Victor Balaguer Museum and Library

One of the oldest museums in the region, this boasts an outstanding collection of local works, neoclassical sculpture, baroque paintings and other foreign artifacts. The latter includes one of the very few genuine Egyptian mummies that are on display in Catalonia.

Can Papiol Romantic Era Museum

A visit here gives you the chance to experience what every day life was like for the landed elite of Catalonia as this is the former home of one of the most influential, and richest, families in the region. The museum houses the original interiors and structures of the home which date back to the 18th century.

Catalonia Railroad Museum

Here you will find Europe’s largest, and finest, collection of steam powered locomotives. This museum invites you to relive the European history of rail travel right from its inception through to the present day. There are also several special activities on offer for the little ones.

Museum of the Sea

Dedicated to the great seafaring history of Vilanova, this museum contains an outstanding collection of fishing and seafaring artefacts. These include photos, models and equipment which all represent the long standing relationship between the city and the Mediterranean Sea.

La Sala Contemporary Art Centre

A large impressive space which is dedicated to both the support and exhibiting of new contemporary creativity. It also aims to encourage promote art in all of its many shapes and forms.

La Torre Blava – The Blue Tower

The Blue Tower was originally built back in the 19th century as the city’s main defence against attacks from the sea. It is now houses a permanent exhibition of artworks from the esteemed artist Josep Guinovart.

Where to Sleep

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Where to Eat

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Events

Markets

Vilanova i la Geltru Market

The main weekly market in Vilanova is held on Saturday morning on Plaça Soler i Carbonell. You will find everything here from top quality meat and game to unique, hand crafted artisan items. There are several specialist markets held at various times through the year to keep an eye out for those during your stay here.

Transport

Yacht Clubs

Vilanova i la Geltru Marina

In 2009 the Vilanova Grand Marina was opened as the first marina in the western Mediterranean specialising in super yachts services for boats from 25 to 120 metres. It’s equipped with high technology and advanced services, as well as international ISPS code above .

In the marina, there’s a comprehensive service which offers dry docking and a range of yacht preparation services, from a simple inspection, to antifouling application and hull cleaning, to a total refit. In the harbour you’ll find a lifeboat station, plus the headquarters of the local, large fishing fleet, which as you can imagine provides local sea offerings for the town’s seafood restaurants. The marina in the inner basin is set up for smaller shallower crafts, and this is operated by Club Nautic Vilanova.

FISHING VILLAGES

SEASIDE TOWNS

ARTIST ROUTES

WINE ROUTES

NATURAL PARKS

10 Responses to Vilanova i la Geltru Travel Guide

Yet another great – and comprehensive – guide, Jackie… well done! I like the look of Vilanova i la Geltru and it sounds like it has a very local, not too touristy atmosphere. Having said that, is there anywhere that doesn’t have one of those tourist trains these days? They seem to be everywhere! 🙂

I know what you’re saying Paul! I had a special interest in it as my parents went there on holiday when I was a toddler. I liked the feel of it, and yes, it is a popular tourist destination but doesn’t feel too saturated. 🙂

I love how you keep churning out these gorgeous Spanish destinations along the coast that many folks have either never heard of or considered visiting before. It really does show that if you spend a little time researching you can find some real gems that are away from the traditional mainstream tourist locations in Spain.

I think the railroad museum would be really cool to visit and learn more about how the Spanish used their architecture to design their locomotives. Great post Jackie and thanks for sharing this valuable information with us.

We are going to Vilanova I la Geltru on 25th of this month for two weeks and our only reservation is the Catalan language. We went to a restaurant in Valencie a few years ago and just got by with sign language and a smile!! Is English spoken widely here and if not will the locals be patient with our very limited Spanish? Thank you for the very informative article. It’s has reassured me a lot as I am taking my other half out of his (Southern Spain) comfort zone and I have been doubting my decision!

Hi Sue, Apologies for the delay in responding, I have been away a lot for many weeks now.

I think that the people in Valencia are quite different to those in Vilanova and many areas around here. As I speak Spanish, I can’t answer the question 100% with confidence. My main experience has been that the vast majority of Catalans are friendly to foreigners who attempt to speak Spanish. I mostly get a great response from people. There can be the odd exception to the rule, who may reply in Catalan, even though it is quite clear that you’re not native. However this isn’t very common.

I have fond memories of Vilanova and wish you a wonderful time there. Do let me know how you get on. Warm regards, Jackie

Well we’re back home after a lovely fortnight in Vilanova. It was all I was hoping for and more and most importantly my other half loved it and I do believe it has taken over from his favourite places in southern Spain! We walked miles both along the beautiful sandy beach and through the town especially when looking for restaurants I had found on Trip Advisor. As you know there is a maze of streets but I think we just about got our bearings by the end of the first week.

We did find some wonderful food and here are some of our favourites: Celler de Cal Puput where the atmosphere was incredible and tapas just wonderful. El Sindicat with live music on a Thursday night, very good mussels and tasty jamon. We loved the tapas lunch at Giradillo more than the evening meal. Had a very good traditional Catalan lunch in the market and stumbled across a lovely little place called Tastets (Plaza MirÃ³ de Montgros) where we had another lovely tapas lunch – on a different day of course!

Other places I must mention: Superpollo which we found on our first night when most restaurants were shut – succulent chicken, chips and a bottle of wine for 14.70 euros!!! Our hotel Atenea Park did a lovely 3 course menu with bread, water and wine for 15 euros pp served by a friendly and attentive waiter. We found a very friendly little bar Akelarre in Placa Mediterranean for drinks. We visited a super little patisserie a few minutes from our hotel most mornings and I must give a mention to a non Spanish restaurant Sakura Marina, which we think deserves a bit more support. It was my first taste of Japanese food and I will remember the flavours for a long time. So very disappointed to find (after looking for 4/5 days) that Cal Purgat was closed for holidays as that was top of my list of restaurants to try. Never mind we’ll have to go back!

Last but not least we will remember our lunch in La Poperia for 3 lovely Spanish ladies who sat on the table next to us, one of whom spoke English very well so was our translator. During the conversation I mentioned that I needed to buy a fan and was told that one of the other ladies Maria Hernandez actually sold them. We were taken to her wonderful apartment a couple of doors away where she had jewellery and other artistic items. What a quirky lady!

My other magic moment was coming across across a Spanish band in the square (I think Placa de la Vila) with lots of people joining hands for traditional dancing which brought a tear to my eye. We found a similar situation when having a drink in a lovely wine bar – possibly El Celler De Can Sola.

I hope I haven’t bored you with my ramblings but we did enjoy ourselves so thank you for your help along the way.

Hi Sue, A massive thank you for your super information, which certainly hasn’t bored me or my other half at all. 🙂 It is wonderful to get this, as it is impossible to have this level of detail for all the places that we currently cover. I am so glad you had such a super time there. Vilanova i la Geltru – my Dad suspects, but isn’t 100% sure, was possibly the first place I ever travelled to – in my Mother’s belly 🙂 Of course it’s a shame he isn’t sure about this, but I did feel a special connection when I went the first time as a grown up. I am planning to contact you by email also. Warm regards and many thanks Jackie